Are you craving a Philly cheesesteak but short on time or a certain cut of meat? This recipe delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness of a classic cheesesteak, but using ground beef for a faster, more accessible, and equally delicious result. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, a fantastic healthy meal option when using lean ground beef, and a surefire way to impress your family with your homemade cooking skills. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or higher recommended for a healthier meal)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for extra color and sweetness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 hoagie rolls
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese (or your favorite cheese for cheesesteaks!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Season and Simmer: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Place the hoagie rolls on a baking sheet. Spoon the cheesesteak mixture evenly onto the bottom halves of the rolls. Top with shredded provolone cheese.
Step 5: Broil (Optional): For extra melty, bubbly cheese, broil the cheesesteaks in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade cheesesteaks!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cheesesteak:
- Don't overcook the ground beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry. Aim for a nice brown color and ensure it's cooked through.
- Use high-quality cheese: The cheese is a key component of a cheesesteak. Don't skimp on the quality!
- Toast the rolls: For a more authentic cheesesteak experience, lightly toast the hoagie rolls before adding the filling.
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Experiment with other vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños can be added to the mix for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Mushroom Cheesesteak: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and peppers.
- Spicy Cheesesteak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Vegetarian Cheesesteak: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian sausage or a hearty lentil mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using 90/10 ground beef and will vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy cheesesteak recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a casual gathering with friends, or a satisfying lunch. It's a delicious dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a versatile addition to your best recipes collection. Enjoy!